American Idol concert

The break from all the scraping, sanding, and painting was much needed, and much enjoyed. Shanda, Stephen, Shane, and I went to see the Idols on tour last night in Charlotte, NC. Dinner was kind of tricky, but we ended up eating at Soho -- a Chinese joint right near the arena. Our seats this time (We also went to see the year 2 Idols in Charlotte) were much better -- we were one level up, and enjoyed the relative closeness. It was a good crowd, though not a packed house. We were all excited -- it was an excellent group this year, and the concert was really incredible. Chickezie started off the night, as they counted down the top ten idols for 2008. When it came time for Intermission, they reminded us about Idol Gives Back and sang a song as an ensemble. Jason Castro began the second half, and the countdown continued all the way to Syesha, David A (or Archie, as some have affectionately called him), and of course David Cook. The show was well-done on everyone's part, and it was especially gratifying to see the two Davids in person. They are not only consummate performers, but both of them appear to be super nice people. I noticed David A stepping back to catch the hand of a young fan in a purple dress he had missed, and David Cook wishing a happy birthday to an audience member. All 10 Idols ended the night with, ironically, "Don't Stop the Music". . .. There was screaming, frenzy, music, handsome guys, and beautiful girls -- what's not to enjoy?!? I admit it -- I'm an Idol junkie!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait for the next season to begin. . . . .

Night of a Thousand Soggy Bags
Note: I found this on Shane's computer where I had composed it in December. Thought it was worth including on my blog. I can't wait for this year's Night of a Thousand Candles!!!!!!
written December 15, 2007

The day was cloudy – a gray chilly day that one expects to see in December – and so it was – December 15. Ten days before Christmas. There was rain; much needed rain that showered a time of serious drought in our region. But also, Night of a Thousand Candles. . .always a heartwarming, festive occasion, replete with literally thousands of lights and candles across acres and acres of Brookgreen Gardens.
Brookgreen is a sculpture garden, so there are always plenty of folks there to greet you. The gentleman reading a newspaper on a bench often startles me when I realize he is only stone, after all. Among the other stone inhabitants are a group of children pledging to the flag, muses dancing about on the water, and the two founders, locked in a loving embrace. There are the nudes, whom I always pity when I’m perusing the gardens in the freezing temperatures of December. There are fairies and cherubs and animals, all silent audience to the visitors’ time in the garden. I wonder if they tire of the seasons of the garden –do they resent the constant intrusion into their domain?
Nonetheless, our annual visit to Night of a Thousand Candles is one of the highlights of the holiday season for my husband and me. This was our fifth year in attendance, if our arithmetic is correct (and our memories, which are even less likely to be in working order). We were ambiguous about going this time. It had rained off and on all day, and although it was less frigid than our former forays into the garden, we were unsure if it would be worth the time and money to go. Unwilling to forego the tradition, we braved the weather, umbrella in tow. Indeed the rain continued and ours was not the only open umbrella we saw for the evening.
As we entered the gates, electric lights greeted us with signs of hope for a festive evening after all. As we got closer, however, it became increasingly apparent that the crowds were slim and the candles were dark. Still, we trudged on, receiving our program and making our schedule of how to see and hear everything we hoped to. . .This is always the hard part – music spread throughout the gardens – not wanting to miss anything.
We began our evening hearing the ending of a set by Vocal Edition – a local choir who sing a traditional Victorian caroling set and a more contemporary Christmas set. We heard the latter half of their contemporary gig, which they obviously enjoyed, and so did we – although the benches designed for our comfort were soaking, sopping wet, so most of us stood, umbrellas sheltering us from the glad rain. The applause was sparse, as everyone’s hands were busy holding programs and umbrellas, but our hearts were clapping and rejoicing as they serenaded us with sounds of the season.
We stepped across the lawn to hear the flute choir. I’m reminded how I love the mix of music the event planners include. Even as a musician, I wasn’t aware there WAS such a thing as a bass flute – or an alto. . . .still, their ethereal sounds ushered us into moments of peace and tranquility. This was my first experience hearing a flute choir – an experience I hope I have the opportunity to repeat.
As we strolled the garden between sets, it was darkly obvious that the candles had all been doused by the glorious rain – a small price to pay for the needful precipitation, yet and still lacking the joyous festive atmosphere usually present. Occasionally we saw a lone solitary candle, making brave attempts to let his light shine. Several of these courageous beacons had burned a hole right through the bag as it had crumpled beneath the weight of the moisture. My husband stooped for each and straightened the bag, making it easier for the little candle, and I’m sure much more pleasant for the bag.
The evening brought further performances by Vocal Edition – their traditional Victorian set, all a cappella, is like taking a step back in time, complete with period costumes and music appropriate to the time. They made us laugh with their saga of Uncle John, and I, at least teared up with their amazing arrangement of “Mary Did You Know?” “Carol of the Bells” was a beautiful rendering of a traditional carol. Later, we caught the first half of their contemporary set, and found ourselves “having church” as they delivered a moving spiritual full of hallelujahs for the newborn king, born in a manger.
Another delight of the evening was a new (to us, at least) group called Grand Strand Harmony. This all-female group cut across all age barriers and, with their festive Christmas sweatshirts and Santa hats brought us full force into the Christmas spirit. Their barbershop harmonies and shining personalities were a joy! Particularly memorable were a winning arrangement of Jailhouse Rock (one of a couple of decidedly non-Christmas songs in their set) and fantastic versions of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Santa Baby” by a quartet within the larger group.
The mix of musical styles during Night of a Thousand Candles is one of the boons of the event. And while I truly missed the bagpiper and the gentleman who plays the Uillean pipes this year, we were still blessed by a thumb-harpist.
Not only are the lights a tremendous attraction, but there are two venues where you can explore inventive Christmas decorations. This year’s theme was the colors of Christmas and these colors and decorations certainly lifted my spirits and inspired my artistic side – a Christmas tree dotted with balls of yarn was a non-traditional twist. Textiles and fibers made a huge appearance in the decorations this year, including yarn-covered wreaths and dreamcatcher-esque circles woven of yarns. A pink tree woven with live orchids was certainly eye-popping as well, as was another tree beribboned, no holds barred with yards and yards of various shades of turquoise ribbons. A feast for the eyes, these!
We always try to end our evening with Rocky – Rocky Fretz that is. A regular at the Night of a Thousand Candles, his piano skills are unrivaled, and his arrangements have a freshness that is appealing. Perhaps even beyond his piano skills are his fantastic personality, his interactions with the audience, and his gracious attitude, as well as his silly sense of humor. What a treat he is! He lauded our die-hard attendance amidst the nasty weather (after telling us we were mental!) Later, as he was talking with this “record crowd” (There were maybe 50 of us in this huge tent. . . .), he was asking us what we had seen, and his bassist (Patrick O’Leary – another shining light in the evening!) remarked, “A thousand soggy bags!”
How true! I thought, but those bags are a testament – a testament to our need for venues like this, a testament to our need for music in our lives, a testament to our need to look at and hear beautiful things, a testament to the fact that all of us can appreciate good music, well-played, a testament to the tenacity of our American spirit, and most importantly, a testament to our desire to celebrate an event 2,000 years old that brought the world’s greatest light into our midst, a testament to his birth, his life, and his death, that allow us to come before Him in worship, and a testament to our American philosophy, which allows us the opportunity to gather for worship and celebration!
The candles may have been doused, and the bags may have been soggy, but our Christmas spirit was kindled. And while candles were in short supply, there was plenty of Light at last night’s “Night of a Thousand Candles.”

painting update, aug. 15

Today is Friday.  My dad has been here off and on this week.  We've had some rain, and that has set us back, along with the paint sprayer trouble.  We're still trying to get the sprayer going.  I drove to Wilmington today to get some parts that we hope is going to fix it.  Shane is working on it now.  Yesterday Shane and I got on the lift and got the first coat of lavender on the kitchen wall, and did some caulking and some first coat on the front dormer.  Shane almost finished the lavender on the front dormer today.  One side needs a second coat.  Then there's trim to do there.   Mama came up this morning and worked for a while on the sprayer, but to no avail. Daddy caulked a big part of the day (we are on our 3rd case of caulk for this project so far. . . .)  Our friend Janet came to help today for several hours.  She and I got first coat of lavender  on the bottom half of the corner where Grandmama's garden is.  She also finished to the top of the house where I had left off because I was too short :~)  How nice that height must be sometimes.  How nice to have tall friends :~) who are willing to donate a big part of their day off to help. . . .   Progress. . . I'd say 2/3 of the house has at least a first coat, most of the scraping is done -- there are a couple of sections left.  Ditto for the caulking.  Some areas have second coat, but no trim has been done. . . . .One thing for sure -- there's a lot more lavender showing now!!!!!!!!!    Tomorrow Randy and Marina are planning to come and help again, and Shanda and Stephen perhaps part of the day -- not sure if anyone else is coming, but the help just keeps filtering in.  Stephen's looking forward to actually "painting" if he helps tomorrow, since he did nothing but scrape last week! :~\   I'll continue with periodic updates -- lots of interruptions over the next week, but I'll let you know as progress happens.  Continue to keep us in your prayers.   Blessings, Tonnye

cell phones for soldiers

Shane and I just replaced our cell phones and I was looking for a worthwhile cause to donate them for recycling when I ran across this organization called cell phones for soldiers.  They sell the old cell phones to a recycling company and use the money to buy prepaid phone cards for soldiers serving overseas.  This effort would certainly touch our family -- and probably yours too.  The effort was begun by a 12 & 13 year old brother and sister in 2004.  If you have old cell phones laying around or when it comes time for your upgrade, check them out on this website.  www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com They have drop-off points all over, or you can mail it yourself or you could start a new drop-off point if your organization would be interested in helping.   Blessings, Tonnye

Bodie Lighthouse

Jeld-wen windows and doors holds a contest to choose a lighthouse that they help restore by replacing doors and windows.  This year's contest, Bodie Island lighthouse on the coast of NC is in the running.  Your vote could help them restore Bodie Island.  Here's the website if you'd like to vote for it -- or another worthy candidate. . . . http://www.jeld-wen.com/lighthouse   Pass on the word.   Blessings, Tonnye

Painting Update, aug 13

Yesterday (Tuesday) Andrew came to help again, and my dad.  I took the day to work on the inside and catch up on some housework that was really mounting.   We also did a run to town later in the day for some supplies we need to finish up (including 2 more boxes of caulk [in addition to the 2 boxes which are almost gone. . . .].)  Still Daddy got some siding replaced and tightened.  Shane and Andrew worked on the Eastern kitchen wall.  It is caulked and mostly primed now.  We also rented the lift for another week, as there is still too much high work for us to do without it.  Yesterday, however, the sprayer rebelled. . . .Shane fought with it off and on all day.  Finally when we got back from town, he grabbed a bucket of primer and a brush and went to the kitchen wall with that.   Last night the rain started -- and hasn't stopped yet -- it has rained ALL day.  We need the rain, but I wish we could have finished our painting first.  I have spent the day working on an article for our local newspaper which is due Sept. 1.  Shane has tried to work on his college class for the fall that he'll be teaching, but was having some "technial difficulties", so he's been out on the porch most of the day fighting with the sprayer.  Hopefully he'll get it up and running so that when it dries up (maybe tomorrow?????) we can get back to the painting.   The break feels nice, but I hope it doesn't set us back too far.  We're running out of time before school starts back, and we were hoping to be finished with this project, especially since there are so many more waiting. . . ..  Oh well -- we'll just continue working until it's done.  We've come a long way, thanks to all the help and prayers from our friends and family.   Blessings, Tonnye

Painting, Day five

Sorry no update last night -- here's the update for the last official day of the Painting Extravaganza. (Monday)   Shane and I began the work day alone.  I finished the first coat on the front porch and Shane worked on the South wall.   Our young friend Andrew called and said he would come work if I could go get him.  As I was leaving, Daddy was coming to help.  Dale showed up early afternoon and helped until dark.   We accomplished a good bit, although there were setbacks as always.  Shane, Dale, and Andrew ended up having to replace ALL the siding on the south side of the back dormer, so that took a big chunk of their day.   Andrew and I got first coat on the North end of the study almost to the top of the windows, and a little in Grandmama's Garden corner.  I caulked the rest of that corner yesterday up to the scaffolding.    Andrew also did some caulking up top, used the miter saw (with Shane's help and guidance, of course), and used the paint sprayer.   Altogether, the guys replaced the siding on the dormer, scraped, caulked and primed the dormer.  Daddy and Dale also did some other projects -- replacing other bad siding boards, tightening up some, caulking, scraping, etc.    At the end of the day, Mama cooked supper for us at her house and so we all trickled in up there -- we took Andrew home at 9:30, and he's offered to come help again today.  Mama even cleaned up after supper, too.  Bless her heart -- that was a big help!  My family has been absolutely incredible during this process. How blessed we are!   Thanks again to everyone who helped and everyone who prayed.  Please don't stop praying, because while this process is maybe half over, the adoption process is just beginning.  Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.   Even though the extravaganza is over, I'll continue updates as we get more done.  Toodles.

Painting, Day four

Today was Sunday, and our work continued.   Shanda and Stephen and my dad came up in time for breakfast, and then we all got to work.  Stephen has been such a trooper -- he has scraped for 4 days straight, and never complained!!!!!!!!!  It is thankless work, but so important and we appreciate his contribution to this process so much.  He has also done intermittent jobs, but his big job all week was scraping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Shanda has handled the kitchen ably this week, and been an excellent photojournalist for us as well as a runner for whatever anyone needed. Shanda also potted some planters for us, which I haven't even seen.  I can't wait to see what they look like, and I can't wait til they have a beautifully painted house to complement.  Today, sadly, was their last day with us.They headed back to Durham this afternoon.   Daddy has worked like a trooper all week, even though there are a million things at his place that need his attention.  His sacrifice is well-noted and appreciated.  He has been an awesome jack of all trades and his advice has been invaluable.  (and he's planning to come back tomorrow :~)   Randy Spruill surprised us by showing up again this morning.  He filled in a problematic corner for us, bringing some "magic supplies :~)"  and helped do some priming, before he left to get the family and travel back to Kitty Hawk.  What a blessing he and his family have been the last two days.   Mama came around 10:00 and she and I worked to finish getting a first coat on the porch.I'm so glad she's feeling well enough to help.  She and I made a great team today!   Dale (my brother) came up just as we were getting ready for worship. We stopped at 11:30, had a devotional time and communion -- sang a lot of songs about sunshine since the weather was threatening storms.  It was nice to be together.  Mama and Shanda finished out our lunch of chicken/rice/green beans, and we lunched just after our devotional time.    Then back to work.  Dale primed, Daddy did a little of everything, Shane worked on the South wall, which has been the monster project of this process!  Mama and I continued working on painting the porch walls, including touching up some scraping, caulking, etc.  Dale taped off some items that DON'T need painting and primed until he had to go to work this afternoon.  He's planning to come back and prime some more tomorrow!!!!!    My two aunts -- Dusy and Gwen came back today and finished cleaning up the Victorian trim, with some help from my mom.  That was a big project, and it will add a lovely touch when we get to that point!   It was definitely a family day, and a busy one.  We stopped at 7, thanks to weather, as a storm rolled in.  By the end of the day, some of our goals had been met -- the first coat is on the porch except for one window frame and a couple of places where the caulk wasn't dry.  That's for tomorrow..  . .There's a section just above the foundation and below the porch that is completely done!!!!!!!  Yeah!!!!!!!!!!  We've got one whole side of the house primed, now, caulked and ready to paint (I think). . . .(in addition to the porch area-- actually 3 walls. . .) The back kitchen wall still has some prep work left -- sigh-- as do the other two walls.  The south wall will probably take Shane another day.   The good news is that when all the prep work is done, the paint sprayer will make the rest of the work much easier.  Our friends and family have helped us get the hardest part done.  Obviously, we're not going to finish by Monday, but we have a huge start, and the window to completion gets smaller each day.    I think our society has really done ourselves a disservice by doing away with these "barn raising" type activities. . . .it has been a real blessing in so many ways -- not only getting to see people we haven't seen in a while in many cases, but bringing friends and family together that don't often get to be together.  One of the coolest things is the expertise that different folks brought -- from Randy Spruill's magic corner supplies to Randy Fletcher's tricks and carpentry knowledge to Marina's quiet tenacity, Shanda's cooking skills,  and so much more.  I think people should be more willing to ask for help in projects like this.  The people who have helped us this week are forever invested in this house -- and in our lives.  Part of them lives in this paint job, and whenever they visit, they (and we) will know that they helped make it beautiful.  There's a lot to be said for barn raisings (or house paintings. . . .)    The official "painting extravaganza" ends at 5:00 tomorrow.  Of course we'll be working beyond that, so there is still time if you missed out on the first four days of fun.:~)  A million thank-you's wouldn't be enough for all those who've helped, and all of you who've prayed who couldn't be with us.  Bless you all!

Painting, Day three

Today was Saturday, and another long and busy day.  At this stage I am willing to admit (once again, as I did recognize this from the start) that it was a lofty goal we were trying to accomplish in five days.  Realistically, we will probably not complete the whole house in our five day "party".  We will continue to get as much done as possible in the two days we have left and then Shane and I will continue working as much as we can until it is complete, along with the "fifty" other projects we are trying to get done :~)  The joys of an old house. . . . .   Having said all that, today was a very profitable day, although we have little lavender to show for it. . . :~|.  We had tons of amazing people here helping us.   Randy and Marina spent the night and were raring to go first thing this morning -- they both did more than I can even say.  Marina is responsible for most of the lavender that is showing at this point, and spent most of her day actually priming and painting.  Randy was a one-man work crew and took on a number of very important and difficult projects single-handed.   Shanda and Stephen were back today, bless them both.  Shanda was runner -- to town; to Mama and Daddy's; to town. . . . She also kept the food rolling out of the kitchen for everyone, (including a delicious pizza pasta salad) and meals running smoothly, and clean-up.  She has also been our photo-journalist throughout the process.  She was also trouble-shooter for the paint sprayer today.  Stephen scraped, scraped, scraped, and scraped. . . .he also did some other projects, including making us a sherbet for afternoon cool-down.  Yummo!   My dad came and worked so hard all day, not leaving until just after dark.  He caulked, primed, scraped, replaced siding, and tons more.    My mom made it  today as well!  She scraped, worked on Victorian trim, caulked and tightened siding, along with helping with KP and bringing popcorn for snack.   My brother was back today!  He came for the afternoon -- scraped, caulked, primed, and operated the paint sprayer -- even up on the roof!   We had two couples from work who came to help today.  Jonah and Wendy Doeller came, scraping and caulking.  Also Joey and Tonya Whitley came.  They scraped and painted, and were kind enough to leave us their ladder til we get done with this madness :~) (And when they left us, they still had tomatoes to can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)   Rachel and Randy were here with all three kids for a big part of the day.  They scraped, hauled, took out foundation vents, primed, Randy and Daniel both ran the paint sprayer.  David caulked.    What a blessing to have them today -- they were a work crew within themselves!   Late in the day, my two aunts -- Aunt Dusy and Aunt Gwen came and helped.  They scraped for a while and spent the rest of their time with us cleaning up the Victorian trim.   Shane's done a little of everything today, as have I.  We have run, made sure everyone had their tools and whatever else they needed.  We have scraped, painted, primed, caulked. . . . .I even found a way to work in a little more pressure washing today :~) LOL    We have the entire foundation primed, the first coat of lavendar on the porch wall, much of the prep work done (this has been the most time consuming part of the process, and the part that I underestimated. . . . .it seems to never end.. . there is always more to scrape, sand, or caulk. . .or siding to replace. . . .sigh . . . .)  We made TREMENDOUS in-roads in that area today!!!!  I don't know what else to say -- it may not sound like a lot, but we had a lot of people working hard today and we couldn't have gotten as far as we did without their help!!!!!  They have all been such an incredible blessing to us, as have you for keeping our effort in your prayers and thoughts.  Thank you!   Love and Hope, Tonnye

Painting, Day two

A long and busy day, today.  My angel of a brother brought us a new nozzle for the pressure washer, and it was so much better and faster, so he pressure-washed half the house today and finished what of the foundation I didn't get to.  Bless his heart!  What a difference a nozzle makes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   We were blessed all around with a great crew today.  Shanda did KP again today for us, including some delicious spaghetti for supper.  She also did alot of clean-up and plant detail.  Stephen was on the construction crew and scraped and scraped and scraped some more.  He did a lot of other stuff too, including moving a pile of junk and building materials off the porch. . . .   My dad came up again and spent most of the day doing a million helpful things, including replacing siding, caulking, pressure washing, hauling, etc., etc., etc.   Randy and Marina came mid-afternoon and spent til the wee hours of the morning working.  Marina helped me clean the windows, tape them, put on a coat of primer on the porch, and helped us finish cleaning off the porch, and clean up yard debris as well. (She can straddle a ladder with the best of them, let me tell you -- all the way to the top :~)   She also made a late-night run to Wal-Mart with me.  Randy was on construction detail.  He and Shane replaced siding, put a door on the bathroom upstairs, primed the dormer, and  probably some other stuff I don't even know about.    Janet came late afternoon and helped with the primer on the porch and also helped Shanda with supper KP.  Paul came later (after working a full shift on his own job. . . ) and primed and primed and primed.   Shane has worked like a mule all day, and as I write it's almost 1:30 AM and he's just getting his shower as I write.  He's been on construction detail all day, plus hauling Dale up to pressure wash the top part of the house, and scraping and priming the front dormer.    Mama (who's recuperating still from her surgery . . . and she's been sick all week with a nasty stomach virus. . .) came up and helped with supper KP, and brought us paper plates (Christmas ones. . .so we had Christmas in August. . .we also ate salad tonight off "Happy Birthday" plates. . . .oh well.    We all sat down together and ate supper.  It was a long crowded, but very blessed table and we appreciate everyone's help so very much. . . We are very grateful and accomplished a great deal today.   The front wall of the front dormer is ready for lavender and white paint (No, I'm sorry to disappoint "everyone" but we are not leaving it white. . .some people got excited when they saw the primer, thinking we had gone normal or something. . . .what were THEY thinking??????  Of course it's still going to be lavender. . . .we've always been the "purple house on Peacock Rd. . . ."  it's our destiny :~) LOL)   The front wall of the porch is cleaned, primed, taped and ready for it's real coats as well.  The porch is devoid of it's previous storage inhabitants and is looking really beautiful.  the pressure washing is complete, and we were able to actually pressure wash most of the walls of the house.  Some had already been scraped and we didn't want to have to wait to let them dry, so we're letting them be. . . . Many siding boards have been replaced, much scraping has been done, plants have been dug up and moved and the upstairs bathroom now has a working door.   Tomorrow's goal is to get the front porch wall completed, finish replacing boxing, siding, etc., get primer and first coat on as much of the rest of the house as possible, and scrape the porch railings and prime them, if time allows.  We're expecting several more people tomorrow in addition to Randy and Marina (who are spending the night in order to help us 2 days. . . bless their souls.) and Shanda and Stephen and maybe my dad.   Today was a great day, we are blessed people, and we love you all and still covet your prayers.  BTW, the weather was perfect today ...even slightly cooler thanks to that tremendous storm last night (which was over just in time for us to get up and get busy!)   Say your prayers for us tomorrow, Sunday and Monday -- we have a lot left to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Blessings and love, Tonnye   BTW, I worked today too.  I just realized I left myself out.  I actually started my day doing some laundry, dishes and vacuuming, since life must go on in the midst of construction.  I also had a very "exciting" trip up in the LIFT to the upper dormer.  (For those of you who know how I feel about heights, you'll understand why it was exciting.  the rest of you will simply have to use your imagination. :~) Luckily it was a short-lived trip, since Shane didn't have the board he needed, so I was pardoned, and Stephen came up in time to take my place (Bless him!)   I pressure washed again today, getting incredibly dirty and nasty.. . . .I also  gophered for everyone helping "I need a brush, a sponge, the caulk gun, some nails,. . . I scrubbed windows and shutters, helped clean off the porch and helped with KP off and on all day.  I may have done some other stuff too, but at this point I'm too tired to remember, so I'll say "Good night"

Painting, Day one

Just a quick note to give you an update on our project and thank you for your thoughts and prayers -- and help.   First of all, let me clarify -- several of you have asked me if there are specific children.  The answer is no -- we are just beginning the process, but the home visit comes early in the process as well, and we are trying to get the house ready for children.  As most of you know, the house is very old and the outside hasn't been painted in about 15 years, so it is looking in very bad shape.  Several of you have also asked what I meant by family set -- that refers to a set of siblings who are currently in foster care and would like to be adopted together.  We are hoping for 2-4 children, age range infant - 13 years.  There are several sets on the online database right now that match our specifications.   Secondly, the update.  Today we had my dad (Bobby) and my sister (Shanda) and my brother-in-law (Stephen) helping Shane and me. We got a late start, as we had a few things still to get ready.  We rented a lift to help with the upper part of the South wall.  Shane used it, with some help from my dad and Stephen, to scrape the upper area, and to replace some siding on that wall.  Stephen and Daddy sanded and scraped the front wall of the house.  Shanda was on KP part of the time, helped with sanding and scraping, put the power paint sprayer together, and is in process of helping us move some plants that need to be relocated.  Daddy also helped me prune my hostas so that we could get to the foundation.  I did some KP (kitchen patrol) as well, gophered for Shane, and pressure washed the foundation.  I got about half-way around the foundation today, and hope to finish tomorrow, weather permitting.   God blessed us with good weather, which ceased as soon as we stopped work -- then we had a TERRIBLE storm.  It is still raining at 10:30 pm, so tomorrow may be relegated mostly to scraping -- afraid it may be too wet to pressure wash or to paint -- maybe in the afternoon it will dry enough to get some painting started. Shanda and Stephen will be back with us, and maybe Daddy for part of the time -- a couple of friends are supposed to stop by and help as well.   Thank you so much for all your prayers and thoughts and for the help given and the help promised.  I may not have time or feel like updating every night, but I'll try to keep everyone posted.  Please continue in your prayers for us as we go through this process (the painting and the remodeling and the adoption.)   Blessings, Tonnye and Shane